Peter Palmer: 2016 Lexus GS F: Powerful Poise

We have a soft spot in our hearts for the Lexus F brand. We recently covered the RC 350 F SPORT Coupe and the RC F Coupe and were thrilled with both.

The F brand debuted with the IS F sedan in 2008, the LFA a year later, and the RC F in 2014. The GS F is newest member of the family.

Sleek and refined, yet equally aggressive, Lexus GS F was recently put through testing at Nürburgring. Nestled in Nürburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, Nürburgring carries a haunting reputation for what some consider a high death toll.

An area of the track, called “Foxhole,” has sent cars airborne through its tight turns at high speeds. Although, Lexus and their F brand are no strangers to such risk. The “F” stands for Fuji Speedway, home of the Lexus F team, where each model is rigorously developed.

Lexus GS F boasts a 5.0 V8, creating 467 horsepower at 7,100 rpm and 389 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,800 to 5,600 rpm.

A Torque Vectoring Differential, with three different modes highlights, depending on driving requirements, stability and firmness, steering response and agility, or high speed control.

Lexus GS F features a unibody design with specific, structural reinforcements and a suspension designed for both ride quality and handling.

Lexus emphasizes a balanced, best of all worlds approach with GS F.

Behind the wheel, one could be strolling casually though town, or cruising down the highway; hitting the mountain twists hard and fast or pushing for that best lap time. In any environment, if the GS F is comfortable, so to will be the driver. Lexus GS F hosts passengers with a magnificent cabin and advanced safety technologies too.

Essentially, Lexus GS F blends racing inspired personality with luxury persona.

Lexus plans to sell about 2,000 in the United States. More information can be sent to you directly here.

Lexus GS F debuted at the North American International Auto Show this past January here in Detroit. I remember seeing it and being instantly struck. It was different – in a good way. It was balanced – in the right way.

And I sense that is exactly what Lexus is going for.

“As Lexus’ F brand vehicles continue to evolve and grow in number, it is important that these models offer differentiated and unique driving characteristics in their segments. The GS F is a very capable performance sedan that offers excitement behind the wheel in all facets of performance driving. It’s something that’s fun to drive no matter who is driving or where it’s being driven. The sedan embraces the virtues of sound, response, and limitless power to support Lexus’ F brand identity of a performance car.” ~ Yukihiko Yaguchi, Emeritus Chief Engineer of Lexus GS F